ROCKWALL, TX– Michael Openshaw, founder of the North Texas Tea Party, has endorsed former U.S. Attorney and conservative Republican candidate for Texas’ 4thcongressional district John Ratcliffe. Full text of endorsement:

It is time. Ralph Hall has served as a solid conservative for a VERY long time. How long? I was in graduate school- and elected Denton County GOP chairman- and Ralph Hall had already served several terms- as a 100% conservative DEMOCRAT- in a district that represented part of that county. He has served the citizens of North Texas for the better part of two generations.

However, the need for aggressive, dynamic conservative action in Washington could not be greater. We need more than a solid vote; we need vitality and drive, and new ideas and approaches. It takes the right kind of candidate- one with political experience both dealing with Washington and the local issues, as well as a principled conservative foundation- to replace a legend. You can NOT replace such with a political novice, who will be devoured by the national Political Professional Class. I am convinced the John Ratcliffe HAS those essential characteristics of experience and principle and for that, John has my personal endorsement for what it's worth.

A vote to give U.S. Congressional District 4 that new voice is NOT a vote AGAINST Ralph Hall and his legacy. It is a vote to give him the honored retirement he deserves, but is reluctant to take. I ask my friends within the district to consider it in that manner.

“I am grateful for Michael Openshaw’s support,” said Ratcliffe. “The North Texas Tea Party is a well-run organization with an enthusiastic and engaged member base. Like me, they’re sick and tired of seeing Republicans get outworked, outsmarted and outmaneuvered by Obama and the Democrats at every possible turn. It’s time for Republicans to start winning again, and I look forward to being a fighter for conservative values in Congress.”

Ratcliffe and Congressman Hall will face off in a May 27 primary runoff.

To date, Ratcliffe has been endorsed by the Club for Growth, the Senate Conservatives Fund, the Madison Project, and Erick Erickson of the conservative national blog Red State. Last week, he received the endorsement of State Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Frisco), and the Collin County Conservative Republicans.

Ratcliffe is the former Mayor of Heath, TX and the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas.